4/16/2026
Fonda Speedway
32-LAP $4,012 TO WIN MODIFIED FEATURE HONORING JUMPIN’ JACK JOHNSON TO OPEN THE 75th SEASON OF RACING AT THE FONDA SPEEDWAY THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 18
By: Ron Szczerba
Fonda, NY – The first of many special racing programs in 2026 takes place this Saturday, April 18 at the “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway with a race honoring Fonda Speedway legend Jumpin’ Jack Johnson. This event, known as the Jumpin’ Jack Johnson Tribute event, will be the tenth time that Johnson has been honored with a tribute event to honor his Hall of Fame racing career.
Advanced Restoration and Cleaning will sponsor the “12A Opening Day” event.
In honor of his car #12A, three of the feature event winners payouts will have a “12” included in them as the Amsterdam Truck Center Modifieds will race 32-laps for $4,012 to win, the Swagger Factory Apparel Sportsman will race 25-laps for $1,212 to win and the Leatherstocking Credit Union Pro Stocks will race 20-laps for $812 to win. The Montgomery County office for Aging Inc. Limited Sportsman and the Fonda Fair Four Cylinders will also be in action on Saturday the 18th.
“Jumpin Jack” owned 428 total career victories at 35 different tracks, 152 of which took place at Fonda (149 Modified, two 320-Modified, and one 358-Modified). After a lengthy and courageous battle with ALS, Johnson passed away on April 1, 2021.
Fonda Speedway points begin for all classes this Saturday, April 18.
This event will be the 10th Jack Johnson Tribute event that has been held at Fonda, with Stewart Friesen leading the way with three wins in the prestigious event back in 2015, 2022, and last year in 2025. Mike Mahaney (2012 & 2017) and Tim Fuller (2018 & 2023) are next in line with two wins apiece while Matt Sheppard (2016) and Rocky Warner (2021) both have one win apiece in the last nine events.
In opening day events at Fonda held over the last 74 years, Jack Johnson leads the way with eight opening day victories in 1972, 1976, 1982, 1983, 1988, 1991, 1992, and 1994. Following close behind with seven opening day wins are Lou Lazzaro who won events in 1963, 1964, 1966, 1969, 1971, 1977, and 1978 and Stewart Friesen 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2025.
Two drivers have taken home five opening day wins as Dave Lape (1981, 1984, 1989, 1993, and 1995), and Pete Corey (1955, 1956, 1959, 1962, and 1967) both accomplished the feat. Jeff Trombley has four opening day victories (1997, 1999, 2000, and 2002) while Bobby Varin (2001, 2005, and 2010) has three. Jim Luke (1954, 1957), C.D. Coville (1979, 1980), Danny Johnson (1990, 2007), Matt DeLorenzo (2008, 2013), Pat Ward (1996, 2009), and Matt Sheppard (2014, 2019) all have two wins apiece.
Drivers who have one victory in opening day events at Fonda are Buddy Shuman (1948), Chuck Kotwica (1953), Irv Taylor (1958), Bill Wimble (1960), Tom Kotary (1961), Ken Shoemaker (1965), Don Wayman (1968), Rene Charland (1970), Maynard Forrette (1973), Dave Pelczar (1974), Pep Pepicelli (1975), Jimmy Horton (1985), Bob McCreadie (1986), Mike Romano (1987), Dave Camara (1998), Brett Hearn (2003), Tim McCreadie (2004), Mitch Gibbs (2006), Ronnie Johnson (2011), Mike Mahaney (2012), Justin Boehler (2017), Tim Fuller (2023), and Michael Maresca (2024).
Please note that Josh Kane won the “Chill Factor” Enduro, held back on January 1, 2026.
It’s race week at Fonda Speedway! Advanced Restoration and Cleaning presents the 12A Opening Day honoring Jumpin’ Jack Johnson this Saturday, April 18 with points beginning for all divisions.
Early Pit Sales: Noon
Pit Gates Open: 2 p.m.
Grandstand Gates Open: 3 p.m.
Hot Laps: 5 p.m.
Racing: 6 p.m.
Grandstand Admission: $22 (Adults) - $20 (Seniors ages 65 and over) - Kids 11 and under FREE
Infield Drive-In Admission: $95 (includes four passes)
Pit Admission: $40 (Non-Members) - $35 (Members) - $10 (Kids 11 and under)
Advance Tickets & Infield Reservations: https://www.myracepass.com/tracks/1549/tickets/1492947
If you are a race fan that gets to the track early, be sure to check out the history of the Fonda Speedway at the Fonda Speedway Museum & Hall of Fame which is located on the Fonda Fairgrounds at the rear of the parking area going down towards turn four. The museum is open from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on race days and admission is free!
Fonda Speedway weekly feature winners, their race teams, and sponsors are invited the following week to display their cars at the museum and watch their feature win on Flo before the races. The victorious car display can begin as early as 3:00, and you are welcome to arrive and stay as late as your schedule allows.
Please message the Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame and Museum Facebook page to RSVP or with any questions!
All Fonda Speedway events are broadcast LIVE on FloRacing (www.floracing.tv).
The “Track of Champions” Fonda Speedway has hosted the best in stock car racing for 75 years. The speedway operates weekly on Saturday nights from April through August plus several special events. Fonda Speedway is located on the Montgomery County Fairgrounds off New York State Thruway Exit No. 28 at 21 S. Bridge Street Fonda, NY 12068.
Fonda Speedway is on the web at www.thefondaspeedway.com. To learn more, call the office at 518.915.4395, like Fonda Speedway on Facebook or follow the speedway on Twitter: @thefondaspdwy or Instagram: @fondaspeedway.
Submitted By: Brett Deyo